If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Re: Getting bees

All beekeeping is local, means that how you keep your bees depends very much on your local conditions. For example, what works well, or is good advice, in Georgia, might be terrible in Germany. You should rely more on what other beekeepers in the Caucases are doing- the plants the bees forage on, the climate, the type of bees are similar.

For example, you might have a lot of buckwheat (grechka) available, which makes excellent honey. Here in the USA there is very little buckwheat, and instead alfalfa and clover are the important bee crops.

So, you really need to connect with local/regional beekeepers. They will tell you what works and what doesn't in your area.

Re: Getting bees

I just started beekeeping in January. I placed a swarm box on a tree in my back yard in the sun. I had no response for two months. Another beek told be to put the trap in the shade. I moved the trap to the shade and caught a swarm the next day. Is it because of the shade or just timming I'm not sure, but the shade worked for me. About a week later I moved the hive into full sun and faced away from the wind, so far they are doing great. And Good Luck!

Re: Getting bees

Rader Sidetrack said catching a swarm is like fishing. This is true. Once when I went fishing(off a dock) I let the fishing line drag on the bottom of the lake. I caught an eel.
You will increase your odds of getting bees if your hive trap is a few feet up (like 6-10ft). Good luck catching your bees. Also, a little lemongrass oil as a lure is important.

Re: Getting bees

In the USA lemongrass oil is often sold in "health food stores". Or you may be able to buy it online. Here is one link:http://www.100pureessentialoils.com/lemongrass-oil.html
Note that the link above does not ship to your country, but the link is intended to provide you more product information.

Re: Getting bees

Originally Posted by cg3

Chinese/ Japanese/ Thai grocery store

Well, Nick1111, who is the one looking for a source for lemongrass oil, is in Georgia. But, his Georgia is in the Caucasus region of eastern Europe! The opportunity to find an Asian grocery store may be somewhat limited there.

Aside from the old brood comb that ralittlefield mentioned, old dead queen bees stored in alcohol can be used as a swarm lure also. But dead queens and brood comb are rarely available unless you know a beekeeper.

Re: Getting bees

Is a ten frame langstroth hive considered a 40 liter trap? Nick 1111, it sounds like you are using your hive as a bait trap. I read the ideal bait trap has a 40 liter capacity and is 10 feet up. The first swarms in the Spring can be pretty big, so I think your idea of using the hive as a bait trap is good.